Previously, Whiteman was chief executive of the UK Border Agency where in September 2011, he oversaw the agency's annual £1.6bn budget and 24,000 staff.

Prior to his position at the agency, he also worked at the Local Government Improvement and Development Agency, where he led local government's response to the national government's agenda for greater self-regulation.

For five years Whiteman was CEO of Barking and Dagenham borough, as well as serving as director of finance for part of that time.

Prior to that he was CFO, director of resources and deputy chief executive of the London Borough of Lewisham, significantly reforming the finance division to become integrated into the organisation.

Until earlier this year he was chair of the audit committee at the Department of Energy and Climate Change for four years.

CIPFA president Sir Tony Redmond said of the appointment: "He will be joining us at a pivotal time for the organisation - as our members wrestle with the impact of austerity on UK public services and we continue our work around the world with a range of partners to improve global public financial management."

Home Secretary, Theresa May, commented: "I would like to thank Rob for all his hard work over the last 18 months in leading UKBA through its many changes as it transformed from an Agency to part of the core Home Office.